To approve as a correct record the minutes of the Licensing Committee meeting held on 28 July 2022.

The minutes of the Licensing Committee meeting on 28 July 2022 were approved as a correct record.

To receive additional items that the Chair is of the opinion should be considered as a matter of urgency, in accordance with Section 100B (4) (b) of the Local Government Act 1972

There were no items of urgent business.

Councillor Kent declared an interest in that she knew one of the taxi drivers who was mentioned in item 7, Taxi Licensing Policy- Language Proficiency Update.

The Licensing Manager presented the report at pages 9 to 26 of the agenda.

During discussions Members raised concerns on the request for traders to be DBS checked and enquired if other Local Authorities were also requesting a DBS check for their street traders. It was explained that at the present time there were no neighbouring authorities who were seeking traders comply with a DBS check.

It was commented that Members felt seeking traders to comply with a DBS check was not good practise at this time and asked Officers seek additional legal advice as there did not appear to be enough evidence to warrant this policy being required. 

The Committee heard from the Licensing Manager who explained the policy had been drafted from a safety perspective.  It was commented Members felt the draft policy was respectable however still required a little work and suggested that the elements of Public Health (healthy eating), Sexual and criminal exploitation training and DBS Check be removed from policy.

The following was suggested and agreed as an amended recommendation:

To consider the comments received during the consultation period and agree for the policy as in Appendix 1 to take effect from 1^st April 2023, subject to removing the elements of Public Health (healthy eating), sexual and criminal exploitation training and DBS checks.

RESOLVED: </AI6>

<TRAILER_SECTION>

To consider the comments received during the consultation period and agree for the policy as in Appendix 1 to take effect from 1^st April 2023, subject to removing the elements of Public Health (healthy eating), sexual and criminal exploitation training and DBS checks.

The Licensing Manager introduced the report at pages 27 to 48 of the agenda.

Discussions were had on the proposed increase to the taxi licence fees which hadn’t been increased since 2015. Members heard that the fees were not increased at the last setting of the licensing fees due the taxi trade still recovering from Covid 19 and so the increase was in line with other raises and still on a cost recovery basis.

RESOLVED: </AI6>

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To consider the consultation responses received and agree the proposed fees and charges as set out in Appendix 3 for the 2023- 2024 financial year.

The Licensing Manager presented the report at pages 49 to 54 of the agenda.

Following debates from the Committee, the Licensing Manager explained that all drivers were required to complete the Knowledge Test, including when renewing their licence.

It was explained that there was no cost for the assessment, which would only take 10minutes to complete and would be included as part of the Knowledge Test for new drivers in the form of written and/or oral questions.

The Chair of the Committee suggested the following as an additional recommendation:

That Officers seek legal advice as to whether a British National is required to complete the language proficiency requirement of the Hackney Carriage and Private Hite Licensing Policy.

This was agreed by the Committee.

RESOLVED: </AI6>

<TRAILER_SECTION>

1.    The Licensing Committee agrees to amend Appendix E of the Council’s Taxi Licensing Policy, as detailed in Appendix 1 of this report.

2. That Officers seek legal advice as to whether a British National is required to complete the language proficiency requirement of the Hackney Carriage and Private Hite Licensing Policy.